The Signal from the Gallium Solar Neutrino Detector: Implications for Neutrino Oscillations and Solar Models

Abstract

In order to interpret the experimental result of the Gallium Solar Neutrino Experiment, to be performed by the European GALLEX Collaboration [1–3], it has to be compared to predicted capture rates. These predicted rates depend on the spectrum and intensity of solar neutrinos incident at the detector and on the cross section for neutrino capture in 71Ga. After a short summary of the experimental procedure and the present status of the GALLEX experiment, we discuss (a) our present knowledge on the 71Ga neutrino capture cross section, and (b) the impact of solar models and neutrino oscillations on the expected signal from the gallium detector.